The atlas provides printable maps, Web Services and downloadable data files representing seabirds at-sea densities in eastern Canada. The information provided on the open data web site can be used to identify areas where seabirds at sea are found in eastern Canada. However, low survey effort or high variation in some areas introduces uncertainty in the density estimates provided. The data and maps found on the open data web site should therefore be interpreted with an understanding of this uncertainty. Data were collected using ships of opportunity surveys and therefore spatial and seasonal coverage varies considerably. Densities are computed using distance sampling to adjust for variation in detection rates among observers and survey conditions. Depending on conditions, seabirds can be difficult to identify to species level. Therefore, densities at higher taxonomic levels are provided. more details in the document: Atlas_SeabirdsAtSea-OiseauxMarinsEnMer.pdf. By clicking on "View on Map" you will visualize a example of the density measured for all species combined from April to July - 2006-2020. ESRI REST or WMS map services can be added to your web maps or opened directly in your desktop mapping applications. These are alternatives to downloading and provide densities for all taxonomical groups and species as well as survey effort.

The Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) Wildlife Monitoring and Surveillance Program is a long-established federal initiative that evaluates contaminant exposure in terrestrial and aquatic-associated wildlife across Canada. Biological samples, collected throughout the years from various locations nationwide, are preserved in long-term specimen banks under controlled conditions. These stored samples support retrospective analyses and ongoing research funded by federally mandated programs, such as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) and the CMP. Specimens are analyzed for a wide range of chemicals of concern under these programs, including trace metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The Wildlife Contaminants Monitoring and Surveillance Program assesses contaminant exposure in aquatic-associated wildlife across Canada. Biological samples, including eggs and tissues, are collected from gull sentinel species, (such as California gulls, herring gulls, and glaucous-winged gulls) and serve as integrators of contaminant exposure across aquatic food webs. This monitoring focuses on large aquatic systems nationwide, including the Great Lakes and coastal environments, to evaluate spatial and temporal trends in contaminant levels.